Co-op Wholesale has announced an extended partnership with independent Nisa retailer Harsh Amipara to support its store estate growth.

As part of the deal, the retailer has renewed its partnership with Co-op Wholesale, signing a new five-year agreement.

Additionally, the independent retailer has plans to quadruple its current stores, planning to increase from five to 20 locations in the next five years across East London and Essex.

Amipara has transformed a number of underperforming independent retail sites into high-activity Nisa stores.

“Co‑op Wholesale is absolutely the right partner for the future. The strength of the chilled and frozen range, and the trust customers have in Co‑op own‑brand, make a huge difference to our performance,” Amipara said.

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“With this partnership in place, we can take on bigger opportunities and deliver successful stores again and again.”

This is part of a business strategy to combine an entrepreneurial ambition with Co-op’s wide range of high-quality products for local shoppers.

The move is part of Co-op Wholesale’s commitment to supporting independent retailers, recently renewing multiple supplier partnerships.

Last month Co-op Wholesale renewed its five-year supplier partnership with forecourt retailer Tout Group.

Additionally, the wholesaler launched festive season deals to support independent retailers during the busy Christmas shopping season.